October 20, 2011

Scott Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability lawyer who is experienced in helping individuals in obtaining the Social Security disability benefits they deserve. Mr. Lewis has also read the results and talked to his Indiana disability clients about consultative examinations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses consultative examinations when they determine there is either not enough supportive information from your treating physician(s) or you simply do not have a physician to provide information to support your disability claim. A consultative examination (CE) is an examination covering psychiatric, psychological, or physical impairments. The consultative examination is conducted by medical professionals contracted by the government to provide information regarding the severity of the disabling condition the claimant has asserted as a mental or physical impairment.

Indiana disability attorney Scott Lewis fields many questions from his clients about these consultative examinations. Many individuals ask Mr. Lewis if it is mandatory that they attend the examinations. Mr. Lewis often tells his clients that not attending a consultative examination could result in denial of the disability claim. Active participation in the disability process when you are asked to help move the process along may help you receive a favorable outcome. If you cannot attend your consultative examination, let the Social Security Administration know so it can be rescheduled at a time more convenient for you.

There can be drawbacks to relying on a consultative examination for an approval of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. These examinations are usually very brief. In Mr. Lewis’ experience, they are not a good substitute for a long standing relationship with a treating physician. You also must remember a consultative examination is usually a single appointment by a physician who has never seen you before. Obviously this is probably not a good substitute for numerous medical records you may have accumulated from your treating sources. Your treating physicians medical records should play an important role in you being approved for Social Security disability benefits, so it may not be wise to rely on a consultative examination to provide you with the disability benefits you are seeking.

Scott Lewis tells his Indiana disability benefits claimants the consultative examination may be a hoop you simply have to jump through in order to eventually get your Social Security disability benefits. Mr. Lewis represents his Indiana neighbors with a variety of disabling conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and bipolar disorder. If you have questions concerning your Social Security disability claim you can contact Mr. Lewis at (317) 423-8888 for a free case evaluation.